Niagarans needing access to clothing while living rough or on a fixed income are getting assistance through a service that ensures people are appropriately clothed year-round.
Niagara’s Mobile Closet, operated by co-founder Amy Whittaker, travels throughout the region offering access to clothing for people who cannot afford it.
“NMC has a variety of services, we have free shopping events (at which people) can come and gather what they need and shop, no questions asked,” said Whittaker.
“(There are) free hygiene supplies, winter jackets, seasonal attire and we go out to low-income neighborhoods or libraries, public spaces prearranged with our service providers.”
Whittaker said providing a basic need in the community, such as essential articles of clothing, helps restore dignity to people accessing the service.
Recently, NMC launched a service for people in immediate need of clothing, such as when someone is discharged from hospital without appropriate clothing, called Mini Closets. NMC has 14 locations throughout the region and is hoping to expand to between 18 and 20 soon.
Mini Closets can be found at St. Catharines Hospital, Southridge Shelter and the Niagara Falls Niagara Regional Police station, as well as temporary emergency shelters run by Start Me Up Niagara and Safe Beds, and the drop-in center at the safe injection site on Queenston Street in St. Catharines.
Since launching in November 2021, Whittaker said, Mini Closets has created a positive environment for people and community partners to foster better engagement.
She said there is a reported 91 percent increase in trust and engagement with participants of the Mini Closets, as 87 percent of them are unhoused.
Whittaker said the service has provided clothing to 2,285 “unique clothing crises.”
Through host agencies, about 670 winter jackets and almost 2,200 pairs of new underwear have been distributed by more than 47 volunteers, she said.
Whittaker said NMC recently teamed up with Start Me Up Niagara to expand access to dry, warm clothes.
“When someone’s clothing is dirty or wet, can we not provide them some dignity by offering them a basic need provided for free from Niagara residents?” she said.
“It’s such a small thing, but when you’re living unhoused, your dignity can be served.”
At least twice a month volunteers restock closets and make sure people accessing them have essential items, said volunteer Kathy Dryden.
She oversees the restocking of the St. Catharines Hospital Mini Closet, which is restocked every other week, as opposed to monthly for most other closets.
.
“Every time we go in, I get compliments of ‘We’re so grateful,’ and the patients are grateful not having to go out in weather in inappropriate clothing because we can get them a coat, a hat, and give them clothes, she said.
.